1929 Manual

1929 Ford Model A Additional Info:

Despite Henry's insistence that the Model A be a simple car, the factory put a dizzying array of bodies on the same chassis, including perhaps a half-dozen different versions of the simple 4-door sedan. One of the more unusual styles was the "leatherback" like this 1929 model, which offered a padded roof and no quarter windows for a slightly more formal look. Obviously a favorite tour car, this 1929 Model A sedan looks correct wearing a period-correct green and black color combination. As most experts will tell you, the fenders should be black like they are here, giving the little A the look of its big brothers over at the Lincoln store. The restoration is quite old now, but that makes this the kind of Model A you want to own: seasoned and sorted, ready to enjoy. All four doors fit well enough, the hood lines up and with a snug-fitting leather top, it is ready for another 80 years of enjoyment. It isn't perfect, it isn't a show car, but it looks right out of the '30s and the price is certainly right. The brightwork is good, working with the patina on the rest of the car so that nothing stands out. And with sidemounts and a trunk, the formal-looking sedan seems like it should cost much more than it does. For touring, I'm a fan of four-door sedans. Everyone seems to love the roadsters until the weather gets wet or cold, then they'll envy your closed car and its comfortable cloth interior that stays dry and warm. Both front and rear seats wear handsome mohair upholstery that looks factory-issue and appropriate in the semi-formal sedan, and it's quite comfortable. It probably isn't original, but again, it was done some time ago. The dash is standard Model A, with a stainless instrument panel housing speedometer, gas gauge, ammeter, and the ignition switch, and it could be easily cleaned up with some polish and elbow grease. The only notable deviation from stock is the black painted dash. In back, there's room for three-across seating in the tidy little Ford, and thanks to the formal sedan bodywork, it feels cozy. The stock Model A engine works so well because it's torquey and the cars themselves are light weight. This one sports its original Zenith updraft carb, distributor, and other ancillaries, because those systems work just fine. There's an accessory exhaust manifold with a heater that is more for show than function, but the rest is as Henry made it. It's a little dirty and grungy, but you could clean it up in an afternoon to make a big improvement without a big investment in time or money. The factory 3-speed manual transmission is still there and still needs a quick double-clutch to shift, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. The frame and undercarriage look about right after a few decades of touring, and the exhaust has a proper conical muffler that offers just the right sound. It's obvious that the wheels have been recently refinished and now wear 21-inch blackwall tires as original. A neat little Ford that runs great and doesn't cost a lot to buy or maintain. It seems that the market is rediscovering the Model A, as we can't seem to keep them in stock, so don't hesitate, call today!